Information

Supplier — Daniel Brauchli (luthier)

Practical visitor guide to seeing Daniel Brauchli’s luthier work at Design Tasmania, based on the Organology exhibition record. Explains where the instruments were shown, how Brauchli’s cittern guitars fit the exhibition, material and conservation notes on fragile pieces such as kelp instruments, and the checks to make before travel.

By Our Tasmania Editorial

Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, February 2011 - image 5. Among the persons pictured is local boat builder Ned Trewartha of Gordon, Tasmania. Photo credit: Tony ReesTony 1212, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Where the work was exhibited

Design Tasmania lists Daniel Brauchli among its Designers & Makers and recorded his cittern guitars as part of the Organology exhibition. Design Tasmania is located at the corner of Brisbane and Tamar streets, Launceston, postcode 7250. The Organology exhibition was presented for MONA FOMA 2022 and curated by Natalie Holtsbaum.

What Organology presented

Organology assembled instruments that relate to Tasmania and grouped them by broad organological classifications. The show included chordophones, idiophones, membranophones, aerophones and electrophones. Alongside cittern guitars, the exhibition displayed experimental and traditional instrument types made from Tasmanian timbers and unconventional local materials.

How Daniel Brauchli featured in the show

Daniel Brauchli’s cittern guitars appeared in the Organology selection of Tasmanian-related makers. The exhibition placed his work in conversation with other makers to explore craft, construction and the tonal qualities that Tasmanian materials can provide. The Australian Wood Review and Design Tasmania exhibition entry include Brauchli in the list of participating makers.

Materials and conservation you should expect to see

Organology emphasised both traditional and experimental materials. The catalogue and exhibition notes highlight works made from Tasmanian rainforest timbers and from bull kelp collected on west coast beaches. The kelp instruments were described as vulnerable to humidity and requiring special stabilisation and finishes. One kelp-making account explains techniques such as stitching with beeswaxed hemp twine, using internal structural spines or carved necks for string tension, freezing to dry parts, heating and moulding for shape control, and sealing surfaces with burnishing oil. Other entries describe log drums hollowed from solid Tasmanian rainforest timbers to maximise resonance.

Access, bookings and checks to make before you travel

The recorded Organology dates run from 21 January to 17 April 2022. Those dates apply to the 2022 presentation and do not guarantee current display. Before you travel, confirm current exhibitions, opening hours and visitor requirements with Design Tasmania. The gallery listing includes a local Launceston address, a phone contact and an email for enquiries. Ask specifically whether Daniel Brauchli’s cittern guitars remain on display, whether the Organology catalogue or curator notes are available, and whether any items are temporarily in storage or on loan.

Visitor conditions and handling restrictions to expect

Because some works were made from delicate or humidity-sensitive materials, the exhibition material indicates there may be conservation restrictions. Kelp-derived instruments and finely tuned timber pieces can be displayed behind cases or subject to interaction limits. Verify photography, touch policies and whether there are interpretive labels or audio material explaining maker techniques and material choices.

Suitability and who will get most from a visit

The exhibition is suited to people interested in instrument-making, timber acoustics, material experimentation and contemporary craft. If you research lutherie or are looking for Tasmanian makers, seeing cittern guitars alongside experimental instruments will be directly relevant. Educators and school groups interested in design processes may find value in structured programs; check the gallery for any education offerings connected to the Designers & Makers program.

Planning a focused visit and follow-up enquiries

If you want technical detail or maker-level contact, ask the gallery whether curator notes, a catalogue or maker contact details can be provided. Design Tasmania runs a Designers & Makers listing and support program that promotes Tasmanian designers and craftspeople; gallery staff may be able to assist with introductions or referrals to local luthiers. On arrival, staff can confirm which items are on display and point out conservation notices. If you need to contact Daniel Brauchli directly about commissions or studio visits, request the gallery to pass on an enquiry or provide relevant contact pathways.

What to expect on the day

Expect staff to direct visitors to the exhibition labels and any conservation signage. Exhibition presentation during MONA FOMA 2022 suggests the show was curated with festival programming in mind, which can influence opening hours and associated events. Always verify the current schedule and any special requirements for visiting exhibitions during festival periods.

Sources and further reading

Organology (exhibition) — Design Tasmania (profile and exhibition entry for Daniel Brauchli) · Design Tasmania
Design Tasmania — Designers & Makers (listing: Daniel Brauchli) · Design Tasmania
Sounds Tasmanian: Organology exhibition (news) — Australian Wood Review · Australian Wood Review

Before you go

Practical information

Check exhibitions and opening hours: Confirm current exhibitions, opening hours and visitor requirements with Design Tasmania before travel; the Organology dates on record refer to 2022 and may have changed.
Contact the gallery: Design Tasmania published a local Launceston address, phone contact and an email in its listings for visitor enquiries.
Fragile materials and handling: Some instruments (for example, those constructed from kelp or lightweight native timbers) are sensitive to humidity and may be displayed with conservation restrictions; ask staff about photography and touch policies.
Curatorial context: Organology presented a cross-section of Tasmanian-related instrument makers and material experiments; if you need curator notes or a catalogue, request these from the gallery.
Enquiries about makers: The Designers & Makers listing can be used to request introductions or further contacts for local luthiers; gallery staff may assist with referrals.